A BAND from the region is a step closer to being crowned the UK’s best unsigned act after sailing through live auditions.
The Traits, formerly known as Breach, are asking fans to get behind them as they bid to reach the final of Live and Unsigned, the biggest original music competition in the country.
The indie pop outfit have played many venues across the region including Telford’s Warehouse and Living Room in Chester, Bangor University and the Tivoli in Buckley.
Now they are set to take part in a live contest that could see them progressing to the grand final at the O2 arena in London, where they would perform in front of thousands.
Radio 1 DJ Greg James will be among the judges and the grand prize is a recording contract.
Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Ali Thomas, 26, of Wrexham, said: “Winning would mean so much as all our hard work over the past few years would have paid off.
“To get the recognition for our own material would be amazing.
“We’ve spent years doing covers and playing gigs but to perform our own song at the O2 would be unbelievable!”
Ali and fellow band members Rich Jarvis, of Flint, Steve Bennett from Rhes-y-cae and Mike Hughes from Carmel played their own song, Let the Sparks Fly, at the auditions in Salford, Greater Manchester. We were asked to prepare a performance lasting no more than two minutes,” said Ali, a former pupil at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School in Flint.
“The auditions started at 9am and we were the very first act to play, which was pretty daunting.
“We gave it our all and we were told only 10 minutes later we were through to the regional final which felt incredible.”
The Traits, who count The Killers, Pink Floyd and Stereophonics among their influences, were one of 60 acts out of more than 400 to progress to the next round.
The regional final takes place at the Willows variety centre in Salford at 5.30pm on Sunday, March 7 and the band will be providing transport free of charge for anyone who wants to come along to support them.
For tickets call Mike Hughes on 07968354642.